Late last year, a friend of mine of 30+ years was diagnosed with Leukemia. I was really impressed with the various treatments and support that appeared around him to help him on his path to recovery. One of the charities involved was Anthony Nolan. They found a stem cell donor match for him in America, arranged for the collection from the donor, transport of stem cells through volunteers and commercial flights, and delivery of these stem cells as a critical part of his treatment. This charity is directly saving the lives of those who need them.

To raise money for this wonderful charity, this year I will be swimming the length of all of the lakes in the Lake District. There are 17 in total (named further down this page) with the shortest one being 500m and the longest being 17km!! I'm training hard (5-6 times per week) and will be doing some of the longer lakes in the summer when it's warmer, which is important as for the longer lakes I expect to be in for between 4 and 6 hours. If anyone wants to join me for one of the lakes then you'd be most welcome.

Your donation will go toward saving a life. Someone elses donation has already helped my friend towards his recovery. Your donation will help someone elses friend towards theirs.

Thanks for considering giving,

Duncan

Some people have kindly shown concern for my safety. Just to put your minds at ease...

1) I swim with a brightly coloured float

2) I never swim out of standing depth, unless I'm with a kayaker/paddler

3) Where I'm on a lake which allows powered boats, I'll always swim with a kayaker/paddler

1) Windermere - 16.89km - 676 lengths of a 25m swimming pool - 17/8/23 - COMPLETED!! Brutal 8 hour swim with Rob Hore

2) Ullswater - 12.07km - 483 lengths of a 25m swimming pool - 30/7/23 - COMPLETED. Swim with Richard Bodecott and paddled by Jamie Fawcett

3) Coniston Water - 8.45km - 338 lengths - 1/6/23 - 3 hours. Kayak support by Rob Hore - COMPLETED

4) Bassenthwaite Lake - 6.44km - 256 lengths - 28/5/23 - 2 hours. Kayak support by Rob Hore - COMPLETED

5) Haweswater - 6.44km - 256 lengths - 7/8/23 - COMPLETED

6) Thirlmere - 5.63km - 224 lengths - overnight of 2/8/23, 3/8/23 - COMPLETED

7) Wastwater - 4.83km - 193 lengths - 7/5/23 - COMPLETED

8) Derwent Water - 4.83km - 193 lengths - 6/4/23 - COMPLETED

9) Ennerdale Water - 4.02km - 160 lengths - 2/9/23 - evening swim - COMPLETED

10) Crummock Water - 4.02km - 160 lengths - 15/7/23 as part of a 3 lake/fell running relay, with Jamie Fawcett - COMPLETED - 16/7/23

11) Loweswater - 2.01km - 80 lengths - 15/7/23 as part of a 3 lake/fell running relay, with Jamie Fawcett - COMPLETED - 6/7/23

12) Buttermere - 2.01km - 80 lengths - 15/7/23 as part of a 3 lake/fell running relay, with Jamie Fawcett - COMPLETED - 6/7/23

13) Grasmere - 1.61km - 64 lengths - 18/3/23 - COMPLETED

14) Devoke Water - 1.25km - 60 lengths - 9/9/23 - COMPLETED

15) Rydal Water - 1.21km - 48 lengths - 11/4/23 - COMPLETED

16) Brotherswater - 800m - 32 lengths - 14/4/23 - COMPLETED

17) Elter Water - 800m - 32 lengths - 15/4/23 - COMPLETED - Swan attack!!

Every day, Anthony Nolan saves the lives of people with a blood cancer or blood disorder. We do this by matching incredible individuals willing to donate their stem cells to people who desperately need a lifesaving transplant. We also carry out cutting edge scientific research, fund specialist post-transplant nurses and support patients and their families through the transplant process and beyond. We won’t stop until we save the lives of everyone who needs a stem cell transplant. Every penny you donate brings us closer to that day